This role pays more than
81%
of similar roles. Most pay
$151,206–$213,250
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$218k
versus about
$182k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As a Sr. Security Software Engineer (Starshield), you will join the Starshield team to influence the security of software across various product lines. You will design and build security infrastructure, including cryptographic services and other security-critical components for routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites. Your daily work involves developing security features, maintaining production systems, building prototypes, and identifying improvements for in-space mesh networks and communication systems. The role requires proficiency in Python, C++, or Golang, along with experience in operating system security, network security, and applied cryptography. You will navigate complex systems involving TCP/IP stacks, hardware security modules, and trusted platform modules. This position addresses the technical challenge of securing government-focused space infrastructure, including earth observation and hosted payloads, while ensuring reliable access to space through advanced communication and sensing software.
Design and build security infrastructure including cryptographic services and other security-critical systems.
Develop security features for Starshield hardware including routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites.
Integrate security into manufacturing processes and provide supporting network services.
Maintain production systems while improving overall security posture through direct implementation and recommendations.
Build prototypes to identify, design, and test potential security improvements.
Implement security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, and large-scale infrastructure.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 7+ years of experience without a degree.
Experience with one or more software development languages such as Python, C++, or Golang.
Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructure.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (Active Top Secret, TS/SCI, or DOE Level Q preferred).
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for export control authorizations.
Experience with special purpose security hardware such as TPMs and HSMs (preferred).
Fundamental understanding of network protocols including the TCP/IP stack and UDP based protocols (preferred).
Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline (preferred).
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure